Two way plow construction with means to limit rotation of carrier



April 30, 1963 H. A. PURSCHE 3,0 ,556

TWO WAY PLOW CONSTRUCTION WITH MEANS TO LIMIT ROTATION OF CARRIER FiledFeb. 9, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 fi eei A. mesa/5,

INVENTOR. fix

April 1963 H. A. PURSCHE 3,087,556

TWO WAY PLOW CONSTRUCTION WITH MEANS TO LIMIT ROTATION OF CARRIER FiledFeb. 9, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

April 30, 1963 H. A. PURSCHE 3,087,556 TWO WAY PLOW CONSTRUCTION WITHMEANS TO LIMIT ROTATION OF CARRIER Filed Feb. 9, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 3flfieel /7. 0098666} INVENTOR.

By qwrgm FTIOQNEHS April 30, 1963 H. A. PURSCHE 3,087,556

TWO WAY PLOW CONSTRUCTION WITH MEANS TO LIMIT ROTATION 0F CARRIER FiledFeb. 9, 1956 5. Sheets-Sheet 4 8 m q 03' Mg @I I a. N19 8 ll RR (D \CQII N J9, R Q Q i 8 r, .U L. 84

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INVENTOR.

,qrraex/a s April 30, 1963 H. A. PURSCHE 3,087,555

TWO WAY PLOW CONSTRUCTION WITH MEANS TO LIMIT ROTATION OF CARRIER FiledFeb. 9, 1956 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 ISI "ad #72? R WQSCf/E,

IN VEN TOR.

Patented Apr. 30, 1963 3,087,556 TWO WAY PLGW CONSTRUCTION WITH MEANS TLIMIT ROTATION 0F CARRIER Harry A. Porsche, 16813 S. Vermont Ave,Gardena, Calif. Filed Feb. 9. 1956, Ser. No. 564,462 6 Claims. (Cl.172-424) This invention relates to agricultural implements and isparticularly directed to improvements in two way plows. This inventionrelates to improvements over the devices shown in my prior Patents2,625,089, 2,625,090, 2,625,091 and 2,666,376.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved form of two wayplow having a novel type of resilient action which cushions shockoccasioned by plowshares striking an obstruction, as well as providingfrangible means which protects the major components of the structurefrom damage.

Another object is to provide a two way plow construction having acarrier which turns about a longitudinal axis and which is provided witha novel form of latch for securing the carrier in either of twooperative positions.

Another object is to provide a two way plow in which novel means areprovided for turning the carrier on its longitudinal axis.

Another object is to provide a two way plow having a novel form of depthcontrol device which includes a pair of tail wheels each adapted to rollon uuplowed ground.

Another object is to provide a tractor-mounted two way plow having novelmeans for supporting a portion of the weight of the plow assembly inoperative position on the tractor in order to provide desired traction.

Other, related, and more detailed objects and advantages will appearhereinafter.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 shows a preferred embodiment of my invention and illustrating atwo way plow mounted on the draft links of a tractor.

FIGURE 2 is a view similar to FIGURE 1, showing the plow assembly inoperative position.

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation partly broken away.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional end elevation taken substantially on the lines4-4 as shown in FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5 is a view showing a portion of FIGURE 3 and showing the tailwheel arms connected for dependent movement.

FIGURE 6 is a plan view partly in section and partly broken away, theplowshares being omitted for clarity of illustration.

FIGURE 7 is a sectional elevation taken substantially on the line 77 asshown in FIGURE ,3.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary plan view similar to FIG- URE 6 but showingthe parts in a different position.

FIGURE 9 is a sectional plan view taken substantially on the lines 9-9as shown in FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 10 is a sectional end elevation taken substantially :on the linesIll-10 as shown in FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 11 is a side elevation partly broken away, showing a modifiedform of my invention.

FIGURE 12 is a plan view partly in section, showing the device of FIGURE11.

FIGURE 13 is a side elevation similar to FIGURE 11 but showing the partsin different position.

Referring to the drawings, the tractor generally designated 10 isprovided with draft links 11 which extend rearwardly from the tractorand which may be raised and lowered through hydraulically actuated arms12 mounted on the tractor. The draft links 11 provide sockets for thedetachable connection of various implements, and latch means (not shown)are provided for securing the implements to the links 11.

In accordance with my invention, I provide a frame 15 which includes alongitudinal beam 16 fixed to the cross beam 17. The frame 15 issupported by means at the outer ends of the cross beam 17 and, as shownin the drawings, this means includes the subframe 18 having parallelarms 19 and 20* connected by the cross bar 21. Pivot bolts 22 and 23connect the sub f-rame 18 to the frame 15. An upstanding post 24 isfixed on the frame 15 and is connected by a link member 25 of adjustablelength to the cross bar 21. Turning of the turnbuckle 26 which comprisesa portion of the link 25 serves to vary the angular position of theframe 15 relative to the subframe 18. Forwardly extending terminalpieces 27 are provided on the arms 19 and 20 and these are releasablyconnected to the hydraulically operated draft links 11 on the tractor10.

A carrier 28 includes a tubular element 29 mounted to turn on the outersurface of the longitudinal beam 16. This carrier 28 supports one ormore right hand plows 30 and one or more left hand plows 31. Each pairof right hand plows and left hand plows is mounted on opposite ends of aplow beam 32, 33, releasably attached to the carrier 28 by means of Jbolts 34. The construction is such that the beams 32 and 33 may bemounted in the full line position shown in FIGURE 9 or in the phantomline position shown in the same figure, and this way plowshares ofdifferent effective widths may be mounted on the same carrier 28.

A collar 36 is fixed on the longitudinal beam 16 near the rearward endthereof and is provided with a central aperture 37. A bolt 38 isslidably received in this aperture 37 and extends axially of the beam16. A collar 39 slides on the bolt 38 and a relatively heavy coil spring40 is confined between the collars 36 and 39 and encircling the bolts38. A relatively light coil spring 41 is confined between the :collar 39and the washer 42 adjacent the bolt head 43. A sleeve 44 encircling thebolt 38 within the light spring 41 serves to limit the extent ofcompression of the light spring 41. The bolt 38 passes through anopening 45 in the thrust plate 46 which passes over the rearward end ofthe tubular member 29 on the carrier 28. The washer 47 and nut 48 serveto transmit forces from the bolt to the carrier 28. From thisdescription it will be understood that draft force applied to thelongitudinal beam .16 passes through the collar 36, springs 40 and 41 tothe bolt 38 and thence to the carrier 28 through nut 48 and washer 47.The bolt 38, therefore, comprises a frangible tension element serving asa connection between the frame 15 and the carrier 28.

Means are provided for turning the carrier 28 on the longitudinal axisof the beam 16. As best shown in FIGURES 3, 6, and 7, this meanscomprises a sprocket 49 mounted on a hub 50 which is free to turn on thebeam 16. This sprocket is connected by a chain 51 to the driving plate52. The plate 52 is provided with a supporting trunnion '53 received ina bearing 54 mounted on the cross beam 17. The plate has a curved outerperiphery 55 and the chain 51 extends around this outer periphery. Theends of the chain are anchored to the plate, as shown at 56 and 57.

A double-acting power cylinder assembly generally indicated 58 ispivotally connected at 59 to a bracket 60 mounted on the cross beam 17.The piston rod 61 extending from this assembly 58 carries a clevis 62 atits extending end, and this clevis is pivotally connected to the pin 63fixed on the plate 62. Connections 64 and 65 for pressure fluid aremounted at opposite ends of the power cylinder assembly 58 so that thepiston rod 6-1 can he moved under power in either direction. Pressurefluid for operating the assembly 58 may conveniently be deis slidablyreceived within an opening 68 provided in the plate 69 fixed on thecarrier 28.

From this description it will be understood that the carrier 28 may beturned about the longitudinal axis of the beam 16 by actuation of thepower cylinder assembly 58. When the piston rod 61 is extended, thedriven sprocket 49 is caused to turn in a counter-clockwise direction asviewed in FIGURE 7, and when the piston rod 61 is retracted, thesprocket 49 is turned in a clockwise direction. Engagement of the drivepin 67 with the torque receiving element 69 on the carrier 28 serves toturn the carrier and right and left hand plows 30 and 31.

Stop means are provided for limiting the angular movement of the carrier28 with respect to the beam 16. As best shown in FIGURES 9 and of thedrawings, this stop means includes a pair of duplicate arms 70 and 71which are pivotally mounted on the carrier 28 at 72 and 73,respectively. These arms extends outwardly from the axis of the beam 16and each is provided with a roller 74, 75 at its outer end. A clampplate 76 is provided with axially extending pins 77 and 78 and a centraladjustable bolt 79 which extends through a radial slot 80 in the plate69. It will be understood that adjustment of the clamp plate 76 in aradial direction with respect to the beam 16 serves to spread therollers 74 and 75 or to draw them closer together, since the pins 78 and77 engage the outer surfaces of the arms, and the bushing 81 engages theinner surfaces thereof.

The roller 75 on the arm 71 is adapted to contact the upper surface 82of the rearwardly-extending abutment plate 83 which is fixed on theframe 15. Similarly, the roller 74 on the arm 70 is adapted to engagethe upper surface 84 on the rearwardly-extending abutment plate 85, alsofixed on the frame 15. Each of the abutment plates 83 and 85 carries amember 86, 87 at its rearwardly-extending end, which member provides adownwardly facing lip 88, 89. When the relatively light spring 41compresses by reason of the draft force of the plowshares in the ground,the carrier 28 moves rearwardly with respect to the longitudinal beam16, with the result that one of the rollers passes beneath itsrespective lip. Thus in the position shown in full lines in FIGURE 10,the roller 75 on the frame 71 passes under the lip 88. In the phantomline position shown in FIGURE 10, the roller 74 on the arm 70 passesunder the lip 89. The draft force on the plowshares thus acts to latchthe carrier 28 against turning movement and thereby maintain theplowshares in proper operating position.

A novel form of tail wheel assembly is provided for regulating the depthof cut, as best shown in FIGURES 3-6. A bracket 90 at the rearward endof the carrier carries a pair of pivot bolts 91 and 92. An arm 93 ismounted on the pivot bolt 91, and a duplicate arm 94 is mounted on thepivot bolt 92. A tail wheel 95 is mounted to turn on the outer swingingend of the arm 93, and a similar tail wheel 96 is mounted to turn on theouter swinging end of the arm 94. The location of the wheels is offsetfrom the axis of the beam 16 so that each of the wheels rolls onunplowed ground.

When it is desired to plow to relatively shallow depths, links 97 and 98are employed for fixing the arms 93 and 94 against swinging movement. Asshown in FIGURE 3, the links may be connected by means of a common bolt99 to any one of a plurality of apertures 100 provided in the plate 101fixed on the carrier 28. The outer ends of the links may be fixed bymeans of bolts 102 to any one of the apertures 103 provided on the arms93 and 94. The tail wheel 96 serves to control the depth of cut of theleft hand plows 31, and the tail wheel 95 similarly serves to controlthe depth of cut of the right hand plows 30.

For relatively deep plowing, only one of the links 97 (or 98) isemployed. The apertures are not used. The link 97 is then pivotallyconnected at one end to the pivot pin 104- fixed on the arm 93, and ispivotally connected at the other end to the pivot pin 105 fixed on thearm 94. The arms 93 and 94 then swing substantially as a unit abouttheir respective pivot bolts 91 and 92. Stop lugs 166 and 187 are fixedin apertures 100 and serve to limit the swinging movement of the wheels95 and 96. Thus the stop lug 106 engages the arm 93 to limit pivotalmovement of the tail wheel assembly in one direction, and the stop lug1G7 engages the arm 94 to limit pivotal movement of the assembly in theother direction.

Means are provided for transferring a portion of the weight of the plowassembly to the rear Wheels of the tractor 10 in order to improvetraction. As shown in the drawings, this means comprises a springhousing 110 fixed on the tractor frame by any convenient means such as,for example, the detachable arm 111. A coil spring 112 within thehousing rests on an annular abutment 113 at one end, and engages acollar 114 at the other end. A nut member 115 is threadedly received onthe upper end of the rod 116 so that turning of the nut 115 serves tovary the extent of compression of the spring 112. A tension chain 117 isconnected to the lower end of the rod 116 and is also connected to theelement 118 on the subframe .18. The nut 115 is adjusted so that whenthe plowshares are operating at the desired depth, a downward force ofthe desired magnitude is applied to the spring 112.. This force resultsfrom tension in the chain 117 and transmits a downward force to theframe of the tractor. The magnitude of this downward force is determinedby the setting of the nut 115. Minor variations in the level of theground surface do not result in material variations in the tractiveeffort, and hence slipping of one rear driving wheel of the tractor doesnot permit it to dig a hole and escape the effect of the weight of theplow assembly. Traction is thereby improved materially.

The light spring 41 compresses under drag of the plows in the earth andthereby permits the rollers on the ends of the bars 70 and '71 to enterlatching position under the lips 88 or 89. The heavy spring 40 does notcompress materially, however, unless the plows should strike anobstruction. If a very severe shock is encountered of a magnitude whichwould cause permanent damage to the plow assembly, the tension bolt 38fails permitting the carrier 28 and plows 30 and 31 to remain stationarywhile the tractor 10, frame 15 and longitudinal beam 16 continue forwardmovement.

Means are provided to prevent axial movement of the driven sprocket 49,and as shown in FIGURES 7 and 9 of the drawings. This means comprises astop lug 120 which normally has clearance with one side of the sprocket49 but which prevents axial movement of the sprocket in a direction awayfrom the cross beam 17. This stop lug 120 is fixed to an annular spacer121 which is clamped to the rear face of the cross beam 17 by means ofthe bolt 122. A pin 123 fixed on the spacer 121 extends into a smallopening provided on the cross beam 17 to prevent rotation of the spacer121 and stop lug 120. As shown in FIGURE 7, the position of the bolt 122and stop lug 120 lies between the flights of the chain 51, and betweenthe cam 52 and the sprocket 49.

In the modified form of my invention shown in FIG- URES 11-13, adifferent type of latching mechanism is provided for preventing thecarrier 28a from turning relative to the longitudinal beam 16a. In thisform of my invention, the carrier 28a does not move longitudinally withrespect to the beam 16a, and the sprocket 49a is fixed directly to theforward end of the carrier. In other respects the carrier 28a and theright and left hand plows and plow beams are substantially the same asthat previously described. The tail wheel assembly may be similar tothat described above. In accordance with this form of my invention, anarm 130 extends forwardly at an angle from a bracket 131 fixed on thecarrier 28a. The forward end of this arm 130 carries a cross arm 132.This cross arm is internally threaded to receive the threaded shanks 133of the latch elements 134 and 135. The elements 134 and 135 may beadjusted by means of these threads to vary the extent of projection fromthe cross arm 132.

The element 134 is adapted to engage the upper surface of the stationaryabutment plate 136 fixed on the frame a. Similarly, the element 135 isadapted to engage the upper surface of the abutment plate 137 also fixedon the frame 15a.

Latch bars 138 and 139 are slidably mounted on the frame 15 adjacent theabutments 136 and 137. Spring 140 acts to move the latch bars rearwardlyto engage their respective stop elements 134 and 135, respectively. Bellcranks 141 and 142 are pivoted to the frame 15a and to the latch bars138 and 139, respectively. Each bell crank adjustably supports alaterally extending pin 143 which underlies a portion of the draft links11a. When the draft links 11a are raised, as shown in FIGURE 13, theresulting angularity between the draft links and the frame 15a causesthe bell cranks 141 and 142 to retract the latch bars 138 and 139against the action of the springs 140*. The carrier 28a may then beturned on the beam 16a. The forward end of each latch bar is chamferedor slanted as shown at 144 to enable its respective stop element to movethe latch bar against the action of the spring 140 when moving towardlatching position.

Having fully described my invention, it is to be understood that I donot wish to be limited to the details herein set forth, but my inventionis of the full scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a two way plow, the combination of: a frame including a stationarylongitudinal beam, a carrier mounted to turn on the beam and having aright hand plow and a left hand plow mounted thereon, a pair oflaterally spaced abutments on the frame, a pair of stop elementsadjustably mounted on the carrier and each adapted to engage one of saidabutments to limit turning movement of the carrier in either direction,each stop element comprising an arm pivotally mounted on the carrier andextending outward from the axis of the beam, and single means on thecarrier for securing both of the arms in adjusted position.

-2. In a two way plow, the combination of: a frame including astationary longitudinal beam, a carrier mounted to turn on the beam andhaving a right hand plow and a left hand plow mounted thereon, a pair oflaterally spaced rearwardly projecting abutments on the frame, a pair ofstop elements mounted on the carrier and each adapted to engage one ofsaid abutments to limit turning movement of the carrier in eitherdirection, each stop element cmprising an arm pivotally mounted on thecarrier and extending outward from the axis of the beam, and radiallymovable means on the carrier engaging each of the arms forsimultaneously swinging them in opposite directions.

3. In a two way plow, the combination of: a frame including a stationarylongitudinal beam, a carrier mounted to turn on the beam and having aright hand plow and a left hand plow mounted thereon, a pair oflaterally spaced rearwardly projecting abutments on the frame, a pair ofarms pivotally mounted on the carrier and extending outward from theaxis of the beam and each adapted to engage one of said abutments tolimit turning movement of the carrier in either direction, a radiallymovable element on the carrier engaging each of said arms forsimultaneously changing their angular positions on the carrier, andmeans for securing said element in adjusted position on the carrier.

4. In a two way plow, the the combination of: a frame including astationary longitudinal beam, a carrier mounted to turn on the beam andhaving a right hand plow and a left hand plow mounted thereon, a tailwheel assembly mounted on the carrier at the rearward end thereof, saidassembly including a pair of arms each pivotally mounted on the carrierat one side of the axis of said beam, a wheel mounted on the swingingend of each arm and adapted to roll upon unplowed ground, and means forselectively fixing the arms in adjusted position relative to the framesaid means including a multiple perforated attachment elementincorporated in each arm, a perforated plate secured to each carrier,and link and bolt means adapted to utilize said perforated plate andattachment elements thereby to secure said arms in various adjustedpositions.

5. In a two way plow, the combination of: a frame including a stationarylongitudinal beam, a carrier mounted to turn on the beam and having aright hand plow and a left hand plow mounted thereon, a tail wheelassembly mounted on the carrier at the rearward end thereof, saidassemby including a pair of arms each pivotally mounted on the carrierat one side of the axis of said beam, a wheel mounted on the swingingend of each arm and adapted to roll upon unplowed ground, and means foradjusting the position of said arms including a multiple perforatedattachment element incorporated in each arm, a perforated plate securedto said carrier, link and bolt means adapted to utilize said perforatedplate and perforated attachment elements to secure said arms in variousadjusted positions, at least one of said links being shiftable to spansaid arms and connectible therewith to permit dependent movement of saidarms, and stop means mounted on said plate to limit movement of saidarms when spanned by said link.

6. In a two-way plow assembly, the combination of: a frame, a carriermounted on the frame to turn about a longitudinal axis extending in thedirection of travel of the plow, a right hand plow and a left hand plowmounted on the carrier, a pair of laterally spaced stationary abutmentson the frame, a pair of diverging arms each pivotally mounted on thecarrier and extending outward from said longitudinal axis, the outer endof each arm being adapted to engage one of said abutments, respectively,and means including an element mounted for radial movement on thecarrier for securing said arms in adjusted position on the carrierwhereby the extent of turning movement of the carrier is limited in bothdirections.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS422,217 Hopkins Feb. 25, 1890 1,608,198 Birrer Nov. 23, 1926 1,721,456Lee July 16, 1929 1,888,399 'Ihayer Nov. 22, 1932 2,561,032 Onfrey July17, 1951 2,616,345 Silver Nov. 4, 1952 2,664,805 Green Jan. 5, 19542,666,376 Pursche Jan. 19, 1954 2,698,563 Edwards Jan. 4, 1955 2,742,100Rockwell Apr. 17, 1956 2,773,439 Chandler Dec. 11, 1956 FOREIGN PATENTS1,107,356 France Aug. 3, 1955 573,369 France Mar. 8, 1924 837,329Germany Apr. 21, 1952

1. IN A TWO WAY PLOW, THE COMBINATION OF: A FRAME INCLUDING A STATIONARYLONGITUDINAL BEAM, A CARRIER MOUNTED TO TURN ON THE BEAM AND HAVING ARIGHT HAND PLOW AND A LEFT HAND PLOW MOUNTED THEREON, A PAIR OFLATERALLY SPACED ABUTMENTS ON THE FRAME, A PAIR OF STOP ELEMENTSADJUSTABLY MOUNTED ON THE CARRIER AND EACH ADAPTED TO ENGAGE ONE OF SAIDABUTMENTS TO LIMIT TURNING MOVEMENT OF THE CARRIER IN EITHER DIRECTION,EACH STOP ELEMENT COMPRISING AN ARM PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON THE CARRIER ANDEXTENDING OUTWARD FROM THE AXIS OF THE BEAM, AND SINGLE MEANS ON THECARRIER FOR SECURING BOTH OF THE ARMS IN ADJUSTED POSITION.